Dennis "Denny" Ray Hayes

Dennis "Denny" Ray Hayes, 62, of Jefferson City, passed away Thursday, August 18, 2016, at his home surrounded by love and family. Denny was born on May 21, 1954, in Jefferson City, a son of the late John William and Mary Beatrice (Bittle) Hayes. Denny graduated from Cole R-V High School in Eugene, where he met the love of his life, Marsha Berendzen. Denny and Marsh were married on September 27, 1975, in Mary's Home. He worked for the Missouri State Highway Patrol for 35 years as an information systems specialist and later at the Office of Administration and IBM. He was a member of St. Joseph Cathedral and the Knights of Columbus. Denny loved the sun, the earth, and everything he could grow with both. He was a Master Gardener and avid outdoorsman. Denny enjoyed live music and attended concerts and music festivals throughout his life. He was a true fan of the Mizzou Tigers. A great cook, Denny loved to grill for his family and friends, always happy to make others happy with his food. Along with his wife Marsh, Denny is survived by his children: David M. Hayes and Kristen E. Sanocki, a daughter at heart, of St. Louis and Molly M. Hayes of Baltimore, Md.; siblings, Billie Sue Mahan of Jefferson City, Mary Lou Sanders of Jefferson City, Larry Hayes of Longmont, Colo., and Ronnie G. Hayes of Spring Garden. He was very close to his brothers and sisters-in-law and will be greatly missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents and Clem and Martha (Bax) Berendzen, his father and mother-in-law. Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 22, 2016, at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 23, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Cathedral with Fr. Dan Merz officiating. Interment will follow in Spring Garden Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Cancer Society or United Way. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com